4 Totally Basic Items That Are So Much Better at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s has a seriously devoted fan base thanks to its one-of-a-kind items — I mean, where else can you grab a jar of Everything But the Bagel Seasoning, cup of Sweet Cannoli Dip, or gallon of Speculoos Cookie Butter Ice Cream? But what you might not realize is that Trader Joe’s isn’t just a great place to supplement your pantry and fridge essentials with unique treats. It’s a grocery store that also offers some stellar basic items.

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In fact, certain grocery essentials are actually better at Trader Joe’s than your average grocery store. So, the next time you’re filling up a cart with Cauliflower Gnocchi and Mini Mochi Rice Nuggets, make sure to grab these staple items, too, to level up your usual cooking and baking basics.

Greek Non-Fat Yogurt

Greek yogurt may be pretty boring, particularly when it’s unflavored, but in my opinion it’s a fridge essential. You can eat it solo, if you like the naturally tangy taste, or you can sub it in for sour cream. It comes in handy for both baking and cooking, but you can also keep it super simple and top it off with one of Trader Joe’s excellent granola mixes (which I’ll admit I eat right out of the bag, no yogurt needed).

But what really makes Trader Joe’s Greek Non-Fat Yogurt so much better than your typical grocery store version is it’s cheap and excellent in quality. It’s essentially a Fage dupe for less — it’s just as creamy, thick, and flavorful. So, skip the big-name brand and get this better version for a budget-friendly price.

Organic Coconut Milk

I’m a coconut milk fan in general and will always choose it over traditional milk, so trust me when I say that Trader Joe’s makes an excellent one. The Organic Coconut Milk at TJ’s is a canned pantry staple you should always have on hand, because it can be used in a wide range of recipes (or as coffee creamer in a pinch!). I’ve cracked a can open for soups, rice dishes, and even baked treats — and it’s under $2 per can.

But, more importantly, this coconut milk is better than your average grocery store version because it packs standout flavor. It’s creamy and velvety smooth, and it’s a dairy-free swap you can sub into recipes (it’ll even stand in for cream) that adds a very light touch of sweetness. I love that it’s distinctly flavorful, even though that flavor tends to disappear when you cook with it.

Potato Chips

The chip aisle at Trader Joe’s is filled with gems, but there’s one particular standout if you’re looking for a basic potato chip. TJ’s Deli Sandwich Style Potato Chips blow your basic Lays out of the water — they’re thicker, more flavorful, and perfect for dipping without breaking into dozens of tiny pieces. They’re so easy to eat entire handfuls of, and though they’re only around for the summer each year, I highly recommend trading your typical potato chips in for this version.

The Deli Sandwich Style Potato Chips pack more of a tangy, zesty seasoning than your average potato chip, but that’s a good thing. They taste a little like pickles and mustard; they’re almost slightly briney based on our taste test. And, if you’re a fan of kettle-style potato chips, these are a perfect (albeit more potently flavorful) swap. I find that I choose them over “plain” kettle chips every time I have both in my pantry.

Frozen Pancakes

Forget about those frozen Eggo pancakes in your usual grocery store’s freezer aisle. Once you try Trader Joe’s version of frozen pancakes, your quick-and-easy breakfasts will be revolutionized. Okay, that might sound a bit dramatic, but after one taste of TJ’s Dutch Griddle Cakes, I bet you’ll side with me.

I can’t stop buying these frozen pancakes, which are smaller than your average ones but so much better in every aspect. They’re thicker and fluffier, no matter whether you heat them up in your microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer. They also have a hint of buttery, maple syrup-inspired flavor, so you can eat them solo (or drizzle syrup or butter over top like usual) if you’d like. I haven’t tasted another frozen pancake that actually feels and tastes freshly-made — so don’t be surprised if you ever catch me eating four for breakfast.